Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:45:32-1:46:43

What light carrier would Japan standardize?

Japan would likely avoid repeating Ryujo and instead develop a more stable 14,000- to 15,000-ton carrier derived from the logic of Soryu.

Imperial Japanese NavyLight CarriersRyujoShip DesignSoryu
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Question

What design would the Imperial Japanese Navy choose as its standard light carrier?

Short answer

Probably a more sensible 14,000- to 15,000-ton design closer to a reduced Soryu than to the unsuccessful Ryujo.

Notes

Ryujo's shortcomings make it a poor standard design despite its nominal fit with the small-carrier category. A better approach starts with the 16,200-ton Soryu, trims roughly one or two thousand tons, and accepts a smaller air group. The result would still be a capable carrier and illustrates how navies would push against any new category's upper limit.